Waking up to a piercing sting in his eyes, Percy groaned, blinking against the morning light. A dull ache pressed against his skull, a lingering reminder of the emotional turmoil from the night before. He swung his legs over the bed and trudged to the bathroom, his reflection greeting him with red-rimmed, swollen eyes—a silent testament to the tears shed in restless sleep.
Exhaling deeply, he braced his hands on the sink. "Okay, Percy, let's tackle today." His voice was hoarse, but the resolve in his tone was firm. Shaking off the lingering heaviness, he stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over him, washing away both the fatigue and the remnants of his sorrow.
Emerging from the bathroom, steam curling behind him, Percy paused at the sight of three workout suits neatly arranged on his bed. His brow furrowed in curiosity. "Beta, what's all this?"
Hovering nearby, Beta practically radiated excitement. "Good morning, Master! Today's an important day, and I've prepared something special for it!" She gestured enthusiastically at the suits. "I present to you three custom-designed workout suits: Black, Silver, and Gold. Each one features an aesthetic blend of sleek, modern functionality with enhanced performance technology."
Percy folded his arms, intrigued. "I assume these aren't just for looks?"
Beta's eyes shimmered as she launched into her explanation. "Of course not! These suits incorporate a range of cutting-edge features tailored to optimize physical performance, comfort, and environmental adaptability.
🔹 Performance & Comfort Enhancements
Advanced Fabric Blend: A high-performance mix of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and spandex ensures moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathability, keeping you cool and dry even in intense workouts.High Durability & Flexibility: The fabric offers unrestricted movement while maintaining seamless, flat-seam construction, eliminating chafing—especially in high-friction areas.Ergonomic Fit: Precision-designed to hug the body without constriction, offering the perfect balance of support and flexibility.
🔹 Environmental Adaptability Features
Microclimate Control Units 🌡️ – Integrated temperature regulation tech adjusts to body heat, providing warmth in colder environments and cooling in extreme heat.Reflective Trim & UV Protection ☀️ – Built-in high-visibility elements ensure safety in low-light conditions, while UPF-rated materials shield against harmful UV rays.Odor-Resistant Fabric – Infused with anti-bacterial properties, preventing sweat-induced odors from clinging to the fabric.
🔹 Sustainable & Stylish Innovations
Eco-Friendly Materials 🌍 – A blend of bamboo fabric & Tencel fibers, ensuring a sustainable, environmentally responsible production process.Aesthetic Appeal ✨ – Designed for both functionality and fashion, these suits offer a sleek, stylish silhouette that looks just as good outside the gym.
Percy's eyes widened slightly, genuinely impressed by the level of thought Beta had put into these suits. "Wait—microclimate control units?" he interjected, picking up one of the suits, intrigued by the subtle, almost imperceptible lining within the fabric.
Beta nodded proudly, her voice taking on an instructive tone. "Exactly! These are wearable, integrated systems that regulate body temperature. By circulating air or coolant, they help maintain an optimal microclimate close to the skin."
Percy ran his fingers along the smooth, reinforced seams. "This is insane. You thought of everything."
Beta beamed, her digital glow pulsing with satisfaction. "Of course, Master! I designed them specifically to suit your needs. A true warrior requires gear worthy of his prowess."
Feeling a surge of gratitude, Percy let out a soft chuckle. "Beta, you're really the best guide anyone could ask for."
Beta her ethereal form shimmering with satisfaction, as if flustered, before she responded with a playful huff. "Well, of course! But don't just admire them—pick one and get dressed! You have a big day ahead."
Smirking, Percy grabbed the black suit with gold accents, pulling it on effortlessly. As the fabric adjusted to his form, molding perfectly around his muscles, he stretched experimentally. "Damn, this actually feels amazing."
Beta hovered beside him, clearly pleased with his reaction. "I'm glad you like it! I worked hard to make sure it perfectly complemented your combat needs."
Percy smirked, tossing her a teasing glance. "You'd make an amazing stylist, you know? There's a fortune to be made in designs like this."
Beta's digital form flickered slightly, an unusual reaction for her. She waved a hand dismissively, though her blush-tinted glow betrayed her flustered state. "Oh, stop it, Master!"
Turning toward the mirror, Percy took in his reflection. The sleek black suit, accented with subtle streaks of gold, gave him a refined yet formidable presence. He looked less like a student and more like a warrior-in-training, prepared for the trials ahead.
"Okay, let's do this," he said, exhaling deeply, mentally steeling himself for the day ahead.
"Wait, Master!" Beta suddenly interjected, halting him mid-step. A floating jacket glided toward him, perfectly matching his suit.
"The suit's great, but this jacket completes the look," she explained with a playful wink.
Percy chuckled but grabbed the jacket nonetheless. The moment he slipped it on, a subtle shift in mana density rippled through the air. He stiffened, feeling the faint hum of magical energy coursing through the fabric.
His golden-blue eyes narrowed. "Beta, why does it feel like this jacket is channeling mana?"
Beta clapped her hands together, as if thrilled he noticed. "Ah, that would be its hidden features! The suit itself enhances your physical and environmental endurance, but the jacket adds magical protection. Let me explain."
1️⃣ Elemental Resistance 🌊🔥🌪️🌍 – Provides protection against various elemental attacks (fire, water, wind, earth), reducing incoming damage and ensuring better survivability in magic-heavy combat.
2️⃣ Mana Barrier System 🛡️ – A built-in defensive shield powered by mana circles, capable of absorbing and mitigating direct magical impacts.
3️⃣ Health & Mana Gauge ⚡ – An integrated display monitors Percy's physical health and mana reserves, helping him manage combat endurance and spell efficiency.
✔ Includes an 8-minute mana recovery cycle tracker, allowing him to optimize when and how to replenish energy mid-battle.
Percy listened intently, impressed by Beta's thorough foresight."Damn, Beta, you've really thought of everything," he murmured, flexing his fingers as he tested the feel of the jacket.
Beta grinned triumphantly. "Of course! If I'm going to be the greatest system in existence, I can't afford any flaws."
Shaking his head in amusement, Percy adjusted the jacket's fit, rolling his shoulders. He could feel the perfect balance of function and style—sleek yet protective, lightweight yet reinforced with mana.
"Alright, let's go," he declared, stepping toward the door, fully equipped and more prepared than ever.
🏛️ Solarskis University – Entrance Exam Day 🏛️
The moment Percy and Beta stepped outside, they were greeted by the vibrant hustle and bustle of the university's entrance exam festivities.
Banners swayed in the wind, confetti fluttered through the air, and vibrant signs lined the pathways, all displaying one grand message:
🚀 "WELCOME STUDENTS!" 🚀
The energy in the air was palpable. Parents embraced their children, siblings offered words of encouragement, and groups of aspiring students buzzed excitedly about the trials ahead.
Percy slowed his pace as he took it all in. A mix of nostalgia and quiet loneliness settled over him. Watching parents send off their kids, he couldn't help but think back to his own first entrance exam—when he and Camilia had walked through these very halls together.
Beta, ever perceptive, immediately sensed the shift in his mood.
"Master," she said softly, her tone unusually gentle. "You're going to do great today."
Percy shook himself from his thoughts and flashed her a grateful smile."Thanks, Beta. Let's get this over with."
They moved forward, joining the flood of examinees being directed toward the gymnasium in the northwestern sector of the university.
As they approached, Percy found himself scanning the crowd. Students wore varying expressions—determination, anxiety, excitement. He remembered the survival exam's brutal nature, quietly hoping some of them wouldn't meet the same fate as last year's candidates.
"These poor kids," he muttered under his breath.
The moment he stepped into the gymnasium's vast entry hall, a firm hand suddenly landed on his shoulder. Percy tensed instinctively, preparing for a confrontation—
Until a familiar voice rang in his ear.
"Took you long enough, Magus."
Percy's eyes widened in surprise before he turned, a genuine smile breaking across his face.
"Dalton!"
Standing before him was Dalton Greeves—a towering yet steady figure, his silver-white hair catching the morning light like frost-kissed steel. His deep forest-green eyes, calm and grounding, met Percy's with quiet warmth. A faint scar traced his right temple to his jaw, a silent testament to past battles, yet it did nothing to harden the gentleness in his expression.
Percy felt a sense of relief wash over him. Dalton's presence was an anchor—a reminder that he wasn't walking into this alone.
"Hey, Percy," Dalton greeted, his voice carrying that signature steadiness. "It's great to see you. How've you been?"
Without hesitation, Percy closed the distance and pulled him into a brief but firm hug. "I've been focused on improving my skills. You?"
Dalton smirked, easily falling into step beside him. "Me? Just relaxing. Honing my swordsmanship. You know, preparing for today." His tone was casual, but Percy could tell Dalton never slacked on his training. Even now, there was an air of battle-readiness about him—his every movement measured, efficient.
Percy chuckled. "Relaxing and training—those don't exactly go together, Dalton."
Dalton shot him a teasing grin. "Says the guy who's probably been grinding himself into the ground all night."
Percy rubbed the back of his neck, feigning innocence. "Actually, I went to bed early. Wanted to be well-rested for today."
Dalton threw his head back in laughter. "Now that—I did not expect. Look at you, being responsible."
Percy rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help grinning as he followed Dalton through the gymnasium doors—only to step into an entirely different world.
The moment they crossed the threshold, Percy felt an immediate shift in the environment. The air was thicker, richer with mana, and the very ground beneath them hummed with latent energy. It wasn't just a new location—it was a completely separate dimension.
"What the hell?" Percy muttered, glancing around. Instead of the expected training facilities, they now stood in a vast, sprawling stadium, filled with thousands of examinees and an electrified audience.
Dalton, ever the patient guide, smirked knowingly. "Didn't you hear the announcement last night?"
Percy frowned. "Missed it."
Dalton let out a chuckle. "Because of the increased number of participants—3,000 in total—the principal decided to move the exam into one of the university's domain labyrinths."
Percy exhaled. "Of course, he did." He glanced around at the sheer scale of the operation. Parents, sponsors, dignitaries, and guild representatives filled the stands. High above, in sealed VIP rooms, world leaders and corporate elites watched the proceedings through holographic screens.
"This whole thing is a spectacle," Percy noted. "Guess they take their entrance exams seriously."
Dalton nodded. "Solarskis isn't just a university—it's a proving ground. These exams aren't just about admission; they determine sponsorships, scholarships, and even political alliances."
Percy's gaze drifted toward a colossal tree at the back of the stadium, its ancient roots coiling like serpents through the earth. Its massive trunk pulsed with raw mana, and an otherworldly energy emanated from within.
"Hey, Dalton, what's that?" Percy asked, pointing.
Dalton followed his gaze and smiled. "That's the Verdant Jungle's Heart—one of the oldest domain labyrinths in the world. Unlike ancient ruins, which connect to different realities, a domain labyrinth sustains its own environment, creating an altered reality parallel to ours."
Percy processed this, his curiosity piqued. "So, what's inside?"
Dalton's tone grew more serious. "Four distinct ecosystems: a tropical rainforest, a freshwater swamp, a mystical glowing fungi forest, and a subterranean river and cave system."
Percy crossed his arms. "And I'm guessing that's where our exam is taking place?"
Dalton smirked. "You catch on fast."
Before Percy could inquire further, a blare of trumpets shattered the air, commanding silence across the stadium. Glittering confetti rained down, banners unfurled, and the massive holographic displays shifted to reveal the main stage.
Percy watched as a regal figure stepped forward, his presence alone silencing the thousands of voices in the stadium.
The headmaster of Solarskis University.
As the murmurs of the crowd settled, the headmaster cleared his throat. A voice—deep, resonant, laced with unshakable authority—rang through the stadium.
"Welcome, future scholars and warriors of Solarskis University."
The entrance exam had officially begun.
The atmosphere within Solarskis University's grand stadium shifted to one of reverence as the headmaster of Solarskis University made his entrance. His very presence commanded the undivided attention of the thousands gathered—aspiring students, dignitaries, guild leaders, and the elite of the magical and martial world.
With an effortless grace, he approached a floating microphone, his crimson-lined cloak billowing slightly as if the very air responded to his authority.He stood tall, his piercing, ancient eyes sweeping across the eager crowd. Then, with a voice both regal and resonant, he began:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed World Leaders, Honored Guild Owners, Distinguished Representatives of the FGA, and Respected Dignitaries from South America, Europe, and Asia.
Welcome… to the hallowed grounds of Solarskis University.
Today, we stand at the precipice of history. The triannual entrance examination is not merely a test of skill, power, or intellect. No… it is the forge where legends are born. It is the crucible that will shape the very future of our magical and martial world."
A wave of anticipation rippled through the stadium. The students, seated in their designated sections, listened with wide-eyed admiration. The energy in the air was almost tangible, as if fate itself stirred in response to the words spoken.
The principal's voice lowered slightly, yet somehow, his presence grew even heavier.
"I am deeply honored to extend a special welcome to the six grand Mage Families, whose lineages have long served as the foundation of magical supremacy across the realms.
🌊 The Enduring Aurorix – Master of Water and Earth, who embody resilience and balance. Their magic flows like the tides—steady, unyielding, and essential to life itself.
🔥 The Gilded Vestalyn – Keepers of ritual and refinement, where magic is not just power, but a discipline of perfection.
🌞 The Luminous Lunarae – Beacons of celestial might, drawing their strength from both the Sun and the Moon.
🌪 The Tempestuous Tempestarii – Lords of the storm, wielding the chaos and beauty of the elements.
🌌 The Visionary Caelumis – Guardians of the heavens, weaving the forces of gravity and the cosmos into their craft.
⚖The Judicious Solonar – Masters of Light and Darkness, standing as the balance between creation and judgment.
Their contributions have not only shaped the current era but will continue to dictate the future of elemental mastery. For that, they are honored today."
As he spoke, a balcony high above the stadium was illuminated, revealing six grand thrones, each one carved from elementally attuned materials reflecting the power of the family it belonged to.
six colossal sigils burned into the air above the stadium, each a testament to a mage dynasty that shaped the world. The arcane thrones suspended above the grand stage glowed in tandem, each family's crest illuminating in brilliant hues that reflected their magical lineage.
The crowd held its breath.
And then—one by one, the pillars of arcane power made their grand arrival.
THE VESTALYN FAMILY
A golden lattice of intricate spell circles formed in midair, resembling an architectural marvel crafted from pure mana. Each glyph and symbol pulsed in perfect synchronization, forming a stairway of gilded magic descending from the heavens.
From the very apex of this celestial construct, Thalassa Vestalyn emerged.
Grand Matriarch Thalassa Vestalyn – The Eternal Magistrate of Arcane Discipline.
Her sapphire robes, woven with runic embroidery, shimmered with an aura of absolute control.
Her raven-black curls, secured in a flawlessly styled updo, framed her piercing sapphire eyes, which dissected every soul they met.
Every step she took birthed golden glyphs beneath her feet, which then dispersed like shattered glass—a stark reminder that even magic itself obeyed her will.
She did not smile. She did not need to.
As she reached the bottom of the golden staircase, an overwhelming sense of authority blanketed the stadium. Magic bent to her presence.
With a single movement, she raised a delicate, gloved hand—and in that instant, the mana in the arena tightened.
Her voice was like tempered steel, cutting through the silence with a command that demanded excellence:
"Magic without refinement is an untamed beast. We do not control magic. We shape it."
A wave of unspoken expectation surged through the students. Some instinctively straightened their posture, while others felt exposed under her gaze.
THE VESTALYN FAMILY HAD SPOKEN.
THE AURORIX FAMILY
A deep rumble resonated from beneath the stadium, like the earth itself was awakening. Suddenly, a towering wave of crystalline water surged upward, spiraling into the air, interwoven with veins of polished emerald stone. The fusion of water and earth moved as though alive, shifting not with force, but with purpose.
And then, from the heart of the element, Cedric Aurorix emerged—an unshakable force of wisdom and resilience.
Grand Patriarch Cedric Aurorix – The Sage Keeper of Earth's Breath
His emerald-and-ocean-blue robes, lined with silver threads, rippled like the tides.
His silver-white hair, neatly bound, exuded an air of timeless patience.
His deep blue-green eyes carried the weight of centuries of Aurorix wisdom, exuding the calm of the ocean before a storm.
Unlike Thalassa, who commanded submission, Cedric's presence was a foundation—unshakable, steady, eternal. He did not command the elements—they moved for him.
As he stepped forward, he raised his hand. The ground beneath him cracked, then healed, as if acknowledging his presence.
His voice was calm, yet immovable:
"Magic is not a force to be tamed, nor a power to be stolen. It is a foundation to be built, brick by brick, wave by wave."
THE AURORIX FAMILY STOOD AS THE BEDROCK OF MAGES.
THE SOLONAR FAMILY
A brilliant column of golden and obsidian energy erupted into the sky, forming the shape of a perfectly balanced scale. From within this radiant equilibrium, Alistair Solonar stepped forward—a monument of absolute judgment.
Grand Patriarch Alistair Solonar – The Sun's Judgment, The Holy Arbiter of Light and Dark
His pristine white robes, lined with woven threads of pure gold, radiated an aura of celestial law.
His sunfire eyes, one radiant with holy brilliance, the other deep with shadowed wisdom, bore into the students like an eternal trial.
With a mere shift in stance, the balance of magic in the stadium changed—as if the very laws of the elements were being rewritten.
He raised a single finger, and the air tightened.
His words rang like a divine proclamation:
"Magic is not anarchy. Magic is not chaos. It is the weight that keeps the universe in equilibrium."
THE SOLONAR FAMILY HAD JUDGED THE WORTHY.
THE LUNARAE FAMILY
A spatial rift split open, unveiling a swirling expanse of stars and cosmic energy. As cosmic whispers echoed, Evelyn Lunarae materialized, stepping through the veil of eternity as though she had never truly belonged to this world.
Grand Matriarch Evelyn Lunarae – The Oracle of the Infinite Star Tapestry.
Her ashen-blonde hair, streaked with cosmic silver, cascaded over a deep-blue stargazed mantle.
Her heterochromatic eyes—one glowing like the silver moon, the other dark as the eternal abyss—gleamed with forbidden knowledge.
Her very presence made the stadium unnaturally silent, as if sound itself had been drawn into her abyssal grasp.
She whispered one word, and the stars above shifted.
"The past, the present, the future… they are all but echoes."
THE LUNARAE FAMILY HAD SEEN WHAT WAS TO COME.
THE TEMPESTARII FAMILY
The air crackled with electricity. Dark storm clouds materialized overhead, spiraling violently above the stadium as the sky itself answered a silent call. Thunder rumbled, shaking the very foundation of Solarskis University. Then—a single, deafening crack of lightning split the heavens, striking the center of the stage.
From within the swirling tempest, Morgana Tempestarii emerged, stepping through the dissipating static charge as if she had walked straight out of a storm's heart.
Grand Matriarch Morgana Tempestarii – The War Mage, Mistress of the Maelstrom
Her long, wild silver-blue hair, streaked with jagged veins of lightning, flowed like a storm cloud given form.
Her violet-cerulean eyes, sparking with raw electricity, crackled with barely contained ferocity—as if the storm inside her was searching for an outlet.
Clad in layered battle robes, embroidered with arcane storm glyphs, she exuded both regality and devastation, an unstoppable force wrapped in refined chaos.
She did not float. She did not glide. She strode forward like a thunderclap, her very steps sending waves of static into the air, forcing the mana around her to shift and crackle in anticipation.
Then, with a simple flick of her wrist, the thunderclouds overhead obeyed. Lightning danced in her palm as she spoke, her voice carrying the weight of an oncoming hurricane:
"Strength is not granted. It is seized, like lightning claiming the sky."
Her words rang through the stadium like a battle cry, sending a shiver through even the most seasoned warriors present.
THE TEMPESTARII FAMILY HAD ARRIVED. THE STORM HAD SPOKEN.
THE CAELUMIS FAMILY
For a moment, all sound vanished. The air stilled, the very laws of gravity hesitating, as if waiting for permission to exist.
And then—the sky distorted.
The stadium's massive celestial dome darkened, consumed by a shifting abyss of cosmic expanse. Stars blinked into existence where there had once been nothing, forming constellations never seen before.
Then, as if the very fabric of space had been rewritten, Alaric Caelumis stepped forward—not from the ground, but descending gently from the stars themselves, his presence bending reality like a celestial body drawing everything into its orbit.
Grand Patriarch Alaric Caelumis – The Visionary Mage
His silver-white hair, streaked with midnight black, floated weightlessly, as though gravity no longer applied to him.
His deep indigo robes, patterned with golden constellations, shifted and glowed, mirroring the cosmos itself.
His piercing violet eyes, flecked with glimpses of entire galaxies, reflected the boundless potential of the universe.
Unlike Morgana, who commanded storms, Alaric was a cosmic force—his presence less like an explosion, and more like a slow, inevitable collapse of logic itself.
With a simple gesture, gravity shifted. The crowd felt lighter, as if their bodies had forgotten how to be anchored.
And then, his voice—calm, measured, yet infinite in depth:
"Magic does not wait for permission. It is the bold who reach beyond, and the bold who reshape destiny."
As his final word settled, the cosmic distortion faded, the stadium returning to normal—yet every witness knew that for a brief moment, they had touched something beyond comprehension.
🔥 THE CAELUMIS FAMILY HAD SPOKEN. THE STARS HAD ANSWERED.